Carol Bove / Carlo Scarpa, Henry Moore Institute, Leeds
This exhibition brings together the sculpture of American artist Carol Bove with the rarely seen exhibition furniture, sculptures and architectural prototypes of Venetian architect and exhibition designer Carlo Scarpa. What links the two is an exploration of the nature of encountering sculpture and the ways by which objects are given meaning.
Until 12 July www.henry-moore.org/
History Is Now, Hayward Gallery, London
Seven artists including John Akomfrah, Simon Fujiwara, Roger Hiorns, Hannah Starkey, Richard Wentworth and Jane and Louise Wilson have curated sections of this show that offers a radical new way of thinking about particular periods of cultural history. Over 250 objects from both public and private art collections explore key moments in the nation’s journey from the post-war period to the present day.
Until 26 April www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Ellen Altfest, MK Gallery, Milton Keynes
Ellen Altfest’s superb small-scale oil-paintings are painstakingly executed and realised over a long period of time. This is her first solo exhibition in a UK public gallery, with highlights including a series of male nude studies, begun by the artist in 2006, that bring to mind the precise naturalism of early Lucian Freud.
Until 31 May www.mkgallery.org
Glenn Ligon: Encounters and Collisions, Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham
Each of Glenn Ligon’s works is a dialogue with other works of art, literature or culture. Examining in particular American history, black experience and sexuality, for this exhibition Ligon has brought together the work of 45 major artists – many of whom are referred to in his art or writing – alongside key examples of his own practice.
Until 14 June www.nottinghamcontemporary.org
Katherine April: Breathing into Bloom, The White Room, York
This show explores our relationship with nature and the overpowering existence and necessity of shelter in the modern world. April’s photographs recall experiences of the great outdoors in times gone by, while the show also features the work of 24 artists, invited to contribute images of their own ‘hideaways’ which are displayed in the gallery as small postcard-sized photographs.
Until 2 May www.katherineapril.com
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson.
